MG-42 SA

Owner’s Manual
Belt-Fed Semi-Automatic Rifle

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 1

 The Essentials of Running The MG-42 SA:

Following these steps will help you use this complex system reliably, prevent
malfunctions, dangerous operation, and damage.

1) Training: All current or prospective customers are encouraged to make an

appointment to come to our shop in Maryland for training. We will show you how to
properly use and care for the MG-42 SA. To make an appointment call (301)807-5234.
2) Correct Ammo: (See pages 41 & 42 of this manual) There have been a wide
variety of 8mm weapons produced in the 20th Century by numerous countries. Much
of this ammunition is not suitable to run in an automatic belt-fed firearm.
3) Correct Belts: During the 20th Century there were dozens of belt-fed machinegun
designs that have been produced by numerous countries. Belts designed for one type
of machinegun often look a lot like those of another. Many companies in the US sell
belts for the MG-34, MG-42, and M-53 that are not actually belts designed for use in
these weapons. We have seen numerous VZ, MG-3, and Swiss MG belts in the US
market that will not function in firearms designed to run with the German-type MG-34/
42 belt. Running an incorrect belt will likely result in damage to the feed mechanism.
4) Lubrication: Use plenty of lubricant such as Ballistol or Break Free on the rails,
bolt, feed mechanism, and belts during use. Unless you are in the desert, run the MG-
42 SA ‘wet.’ Avoid using WD-40 because it is flammable and may result in excessive
chamber pressures.
5) Cleaning: (See pages 38, 39, and 40 of this manual) When cleaning the MG-42
SA, pay special attention to cleaning the bolt head, barrel, entire booster assembly and
surrounding receiver area. Pay special attention to the front of the MG-42 SA. This is
the exit point for all of the gasses and residue. This includes the flash-hider, booster
cone, barrel sleeve, barrel crown, and receiver bushing. These parts must be
thoroughly and aggressively cleaned after extended used because the corrosive
residue becomes ‘baked-on.’
6) Inspection: (See page 43 of this manual) After cleaning, fully inspect and
reassemble the MG-42 SA. Once fully reassembled, load and cycle some dummy
rounds through the system to check for proper function.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 2

 MG-42 Semi-Auto (SA) Manual

The MG-42 SA is a highly complex and sophisticated system that requires knowledgeable operators.
Full and complete adherence to the following instructions is an absolute necessity for safe and re-
sponsible use of the MG-42 SA. This system is NOT meant for anyone other than individuals knowl-
edgeable in the safe operation of belt fed systems and who have a thorough understanding of semiau-
tomatic and automatic firearms. If you are not such an individual you pose a danger to yourself and
those around you by using this system.

The following MG-42 parts and accessories will not work with the MG-42 SA:
• Bolt Carrier
• Trigger Housing and Internal Trigger Housing Parts
• Short Recoil Assembly
• Firing Pin and Guide
• Cocking Handle
• Mainspring

The following MG-42 parts and accessories will work with the MG-42 SA:
• Belts and Belt Drums
• Slings
• Sights
• Ejector
• Ejector Rod
• Complete Bolt Head Assembly
• Bipod
• Barrel
• Buttstock
• Buffer
• Feed Cover and Feed Tray

The Differences Between the Original MG-42 and the MG-42 SA

The MG-42 SA fires from the closed-bolt position using a conventional Hammer/Trigger/Disconnector setup
similar to AR, AK, and HK rifles. The double-torsion spring setup is taken directly from an AR. The trigger
housing has been modified accordingly to house these parts. It is slightly longer and wider than the original
and mounts differently to the receiver. An original MG-42 trigger housing cannot mount to the MG-42 SA
receiver.
The firing pin is a floating type with a spring positioned to the front to prevent slam-fire. When the bolt is fully
locked into the barrel collar, the firing pin can be struck from the rear by the hammer to ignite the round. To
accommodate the hammer-strike the bolt carrier is longer than the original MG-42 bolt carrier,and the main-
spring is shorter than the original MG-42 mainspring. Also, the bolt carrier has a smooth bottom to allow the
hammer to cock and rub the underside of the bolt carrier during cycle. An original bolt carrier will not fit into
the MG-42 SA receiver. Since the bolt carrier does not have the same cocking surface as the original, the
cocking handle has been modified to accomodate the cocking surface on the MG-42 SA bolt carrier.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 3

 Safety – Your Responsibility

SAFETY MUST BE THE FIRST AND CONSTANT CONSIDERATION OF EVERY PERSON WHO HANDLES
FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION. This manual is designed to assist you in learning how to use and care for this
system properly.
Only when you are certain you fully understand the manual and can properly carry out its instructions should
you practice loading, unloading, etc. with live ammunition.
If you have doubts about your ability to handle or use this particular system safely, then you should seek
supervised instruction. Such personalized instruction is often available from gun dealers, gun clubs or police
departments. If none of these sources can help you contact the National Rifle Association. You are also
encouraged to contact BRP CORP for assistance.
The person with a gun in his possession has a full-time job. He cannot guess; he cannot forget. He must
know how to use his firearm safely. Do not use any firearm without having a complete understanding of its
particular characteristics and safe use. Remember: There is NO such thing as a foolproof gun.

Basic Safety List

• A loaded firearm has the potential to kill. Intelligently handled it is safe.
• An accident is always the result of basic safety rules neglect.
• Accident prevention is user responsibility.
• Never point a firearm at anything you don’t want to shoot.
• Before handling a firearm be sure to use correct and undamaged ammunition.
• Be sure your firearm is clean – before loading inspect the barrel to insure it is perfectly clean and free of
foreign objects. Shooting with an obstruction in the barrel such as dirt, mud, grease, lodged bullet or jacket,
residues, etc, can cause barrel bulging and/or rupture.
• Never assume that the chamber is empty, visually inspect it every time you handle the gun.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages or drugs before and during shooting.
• Avoid hard hitting or dropping of a loaded firearm.
• Store firearms and ammunition separately, beyond the reach of children. Be sure cartridge chamber is
empty.
• Thoroughly clean the firearm to prevent corrosion.
• Wear eye and ear protection.
• Firearms Safety Course is recommended.
• Handle it with respect not fear.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 4

Design of the Weapon
1. Housing 8. Rear Covers
2. Barrel 9. Butt
3. Bolt 10. Bipod
5. Feed Mechanism 11. Sling
6. Pistol Grip with Trigger Housing 12. Recoil Booster, Recoil Nozzle, and Barrel-Guide Sleeve
7. Cocking Slide 13. Recoil Spring

Preliminary Remarks
The terms “righthand” and “Iefthand” used in the following description of the assemblies and of the functioning
apply to the position of the weapon in firing direction (seen from the gunner).

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 5

 Bolt Assembly

Ejector
Ejector Rod
Bolt Head

Roller Pin Firing Pin & Spring

Firing Pin Guide

Bolt Carrier Cocking Handle
Catch

Proper firing pin

placement
MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 6
Recuperator Assembly

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 7

 Description
1. Housing
The front part of the housing guides the barrel and contains the recoil booster and nozzle as well as the barrel-
guide sleeve. The lock for the recoil booster is located on top of the front part of the housing, and front-sight
holder and front-sight are placed behind it. The front-sight holder can be folded to the housing. The front part of
the housing is provided with openings permitting the barrel to cool. The long opening on the righthand side of
the housing and the barrel-change flap enable the gunner to change the barrel. There are slots in the housing
below the front-sight holder and a bit further towards the rear end where the bipod can be inserted, thus
serving as front or center support.
The back-sight is located on top of the housing, halfway down the casing. The upper- and undersides of the
sight leaf are provided with one graduation each. The graduation on the underside is used by the gunner in
lying position after having folded up the sight leaf.
The front mounting support for mounting the gun on the tripod is situated underneath the housing at the height
of the back-sight.
The trunion is located behind the back-sight. It serves as rear guide of the barrel and its worked-in curves
unlock the bolt. The feed mechanism is fixed to the upper part of the trunion by swivel connection.
Underneath the feed mechanism the left- and righthand side of the housing are provided with one U-shaped
slide rail each, in order to guide the bolt. The recuperator mechanism is mounted under the lefthand slide rail
and pushes the recoiling barrel back into its front position when the round is being fired.
The pistol grip is fixed in the short U-shaped sheet part located at the underside of the housing. The pin behind
the pistol grip, i.e. the rear mounting bolt, is used to fix the weapon on the tripod.
There is an opening for the ejection of the empty cartridge cases in front of the pistol grip.
The rear of the lower righthand side of the housing is slotted for the guidance of the cocking slide. There is a
lock for the rear cover fixed outside, at the rear end, and at the underside of the housing. It prevents the rear
cover from rotating. The rear cover is attached to the gun by a bayonet catch.
2. Barrel
The barrel consists of the proper barrel and the locking piece. The cartridge is ignited in the chamber of the
barrel. The spiral grooves in the bore produce the righthand twist of the bullet. The locking piece is screwed on
the barrel. It is provided with foul rectangular cams for the rigid locking of the barrel with the bolt and has
curves which accelerate the unlocked bolt. The locking piece has been designed symmetrically so that the
barrel can be fitted into the housing in two positions, if turned by 180°,
3. Bolt
It consists of two principal assemblies: bolt head and bolt housing.
The extractor, connecting piece, and extractor spring are inserted in the lower part of the bolt head and one
locking roll is located at each side of it, to the left and to the right,
During the forward motion of the barrel the firing-pin guide pushes the rolls apart and into locking position.
During the backward motion of the barrel it accelerates the travel of the bolt housing. Both actions result from
the different angular surfaces at the top edges of the firing pin guide. The bore-hole in the middle serves for the
mounting of the firing pin.
The ejector is mounted from the rear, above the firing-pin guide, into the bolt.
The bolt housing contains firing pin, ejector rod, ejector stop, and roller pin with its spring. The ejector stop is
retained by the roller pin which must be aligned to the transport lever of the feed mechanism.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 8

5. Feed Mechanism / Cover
The feed mechanism consists of feed cover and feed tray. Both parts are pivoted by the pivot on the curved
piece of the housing. The feed mechanism which forces the filled cartridge belt into the weapon is situated in
the cover. The forward and backward running bolt forces the transport lever to operate this mechanism. The
transmission levers for the belt-feed pawl in the left front-part of the cover are supported by a spring bearing
and push the cartridges into the runway of the bolt. The feed tray eases the insertion of the filled cartridge belt
into the weapon and serves as slide support.
6. Pistol Grip
The pistol grip contains trigger and safety device. The trigger mechanism allows semi-automatic fire. The
trigger operates the sear and disconnector for the hammer. The safety device consists of a pusher. The front of
the pistol grip is inserted into the opening of the housing and its rear part is fastened by a pin.
7. Cocking Slide/Handle
The cocking slide is inserted from the rear into the slot of the housing and pushed forward to the stop. It is
used for cocking the weapon. The front catch of the cocking rail of the slide engages the bolt carrying it along
while moving backwards. By pulling back the cocking slide the bolt unlocks and the recoil spring is cocked. The
bolt and the barrel recoil together in locked position, against the pressure of the recuperator mechanism and of
the recoil spring, until the unlocking curves of the curved piece will have forced the locking rolls into the bolt
head in order to clear the locking. The barrel is immediately pushed forward again by the recuperator
mechanism while the bolt is further pulled to its rear position overcoming the pressure of the recoil spring. The
cocking handle on the cocking slide is capable of swinging out by approx. 90°, thus forming a prolonged lever
arm which has to overcome the above-mentioned spring pressures and facilitates cocking. The catch is
connected to the swinging cocking handle which keeps the cocking slide behind the lug of the housing thus
preventing it from unwanted backward motion.
8. Rear Cover / Buffer
The rear cover, which is inserted into the housing from the rear, contains the bolt buffer. The lock on the
housing prevents the rear cover, locked by 90° by a bayonet catch, from self-loosening.
9. Butt
If the weapon is used as a light machine gun, the butt serves as support of the gun on the shoulder of the
gunner. It is attached to the rear cover and secured by rotation of 45° until the catch snaps in. When used from
the tripod, most gunners prefer to remove the butt.
10. Bipod
The bipod is used for front and center support if the weapon is employed as a light machine gun. The bipod
with its saddle support is inserted in the front or center holder of the housing. The gunner must take care that
the bar of the saddle support always points to the rear.
11. SIing
The sling is used by the gunner in the following ways: for carrying the weapon while marching, for holding the
weapon while advancing by bounds in combat, and for regulating the position of the weapon while firing from
the hip. It is attached to the front of the housing by a spring safety hook and to the pistol grip by a clamp.
12. Recoil Booster, Recoil Nozzle, and Barrel-Guide Sleeve
The recoil booster is the foremost part of the weapon. It is screwed on the thread of the housing, and a lock on
the housing prevents the recoil booster from rotating. The recoil nozzle is located in the recoil booster.
The barrel-guide sleeve is inserted from the rear into the housing securing the front guide of the barrel.
13. Recoil Spring
The recoil spring is located in the housing, between bolt and rear cover. It pushes the bolt, which has been
thrown back by the recoil, forward again.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 9

 How it Works
By pulling the cocking handle back,
then releasing it such that the bolt
strips and chambers the first round
with significant force. The cartridge
lying in the feed tray above the
runway of the bolt is forced by the
nose of the bolt head from the belt
into the chamber of the barrel. The
extractor engages in the extractor
groove of the cartridge.
The slide rails in the housing prevent
the locking rolls during the forward
motion of the bolt from lateral evading
until the bolt head has entered the
locking piece. Then the locking rolls
are able to follow the curve-
shaped slots of the locking piece
and lock the mechanism. The
pressure of the recoil spring
causes the bolt housing to press
on the firing-pin guide with the
firing pin. Moreover, the inclined
planes of the firing-pin guide press
the locking rolls outwards.
The firing pin ignites the cartridge
when struck from the rear by the
hammer.
During the second half of the
forward motion of the bolt, the
transport lever in the cover is
pressed to the left by the roller pin
of the bolt housing. During this
operation, the second cartridge is
pressed by the outside belt-feed
levers to the righthand side, thus
travelling in the feed way halfway
towards the runway of the bolt.
There, it is picked up by the inside
belt-feed lever.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 10

The recoil forces the locked barrel backwards,
assisted by the recoil booster. As soon as the
bullet has left the barrel, gas stows in front of
the nozzle bore causing a pressure on the front
face of the barrel-guide sleeve and, by these
means, on the barrel as well.

recuperator

The locking rolls are only pressed inside by the unlocking curves of the curved piece after the bullet has
passed the recoil nozzle. The barrel and the bolt continue their backward motion and unlock. During this
operation, the speed of bolt head and bolt housing is higher than that of the barrel because of the locking rolls
and differing curves. Now the bolt trips the barrel and moves to the rear. The barrel is pushed forward again by
the recuperator mechanism. The bolt moves to the rear overcoming the pressure of the recoil spring and is
finally stopped by the buffer spring. The rearward motion of the bolt causes the following reactions :
The extractor extracts the empty case from the chamber.
The second stroke of the feed mechanism pushes the cartridge into the feed tray slot and, by these means,
into the runway of the bolt
Then the bolt strikes the buffer, the ejector, which is pushed forward by the rod and the bush, ejects the car-
tridge case from the underside of the housing.
The operations are repeated for each pull of the trigger.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 11

 Disassembly Procedure

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 12

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 13
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MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 15
MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 16
MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 17
MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 18
Remove Trigger Housing

The hammer must

be depressed for
this operation.
Drive out the
trigger housing pin.

Lift rear of trigger

housing and twist to
unlock the front catch.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 19

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 20
MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 21
MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 22
MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 23
 Assembly Procedure

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 24

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 25
MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 26
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MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 28
Insert the Bolt

Make sure the bolt slides

freely in the receiver body.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 29

 Attach the Trigger Housing

The hammer must be depressed for

this operation. Insert the trigger housing
front catch through the back of the
ejection port.

Twist and pull-back the

trigger housing. Drive the
trigger housing pin to
lock the assembly in
place.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 30

Buffer and Mainspring Insert

Insert the closed end of the

mainspring into the receiver
making sure that it is properly
seated in the rear of the bolt
carrier and the open end is
seated at the base of the
buffer.

Open End

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 31

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 32
MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 33
 Operation
1. Filling the Belts and Magazines
a. Belts
1. Place a 50-round on a flat surface, with the leading tab to the right and the tongues up. Insert a
round into each link, and push it forward until the tongue snaps into the groove at the rear of the
cartridge case. NOTE: Do not insert a round into the first five links unless you are using a short
leading belt (e.g. starter tab). This is a precaution to prevent the belt from falling from the feed
assembly. Always load the belt from left to right; the bolt head will likely crush and empty belt loop.
2. The 50-round belt can be extended by joining it to 50-round extension belts. Fill a 50-round exten-
sion belt, but do not fill the first link. Insert the tongue at the end of the leading belt into the rectan-
gular opening in the first link of the leading belt into the rectangular opening in the first link of the
extension belt, and join belts by inserting a round. It is common practice to join as many as four
extension belts to a 50-round leading belt.
3. Instead of a 50-round leading belt, it is possible to join five 50-round extension belts to a short
leading belt (e.g. starter tab).
4. If a starter tab is not available, and extension belt (or belts) can still be used. However, when
loading the belt do not insert rounds in the first five links.
b. 50-round Belt Drum Magazine
1. Fill an extension belt and turn it over with tongues on the bottom and empty link to the right. Roll up
the belt from the left end and insert it into the belt drum magazine with the empty link on the out-
side.
2. If the magazine is to be used immediately or within a short time, fill a short leading belt and attach it.
If the magazine is not to be used for some time, do not join a short leading belt. Instead, close the
magazine slide and the cover, to keep the dust out.
3. The magazines are transported in carriers.

2. Loading the Gun

a. General. The double lever feeding arrangement on the MG-42 feed cover is extremely strong and
complex. Follow the instructions below and be sure to practice with dummy rounds.

Loading with the Bolt Hold-Back Accessory

Retract the bolt by using the cocking handle. Insert the Bolt Hold-Back through the ejection
port. This will hold the bolt back by creating a wedge between the bolt and the front of the ejection
port. Raise the top cover and place the loaded belt on the feed block, so that the first round is on
the feed block slot, and the leading tab is to the right. Close the feed cover making certain that the
roller pin on the bolt carrier is aligned with the transport lever in the feed cover. You must pull the
cocking handle back, wait for the Bolt Hold-Back to fall from the ejection port, then release the
cocking handle such that the bolt strips and chambers the first round with significant force.
After the operator has become proficient in loading the gun, he may keep the feed cover closed
while loading. In that case, make certain the bolt is fully home. Then, insert the leading tab into the
feed opening on the left side of the gun, and pull it to the right until the three paws on the underside
of the feed cover engage the first round. Never allow the bolt to jerk forward without having in-
serted the barrel because the cocking slide could be damaged.

(The bolt must ALWAYS be to the rear when the belt is placed on the feed block)

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 34

3. Firing the Gun
a. Before carrying out the following instructions, make certain that the gun has been loaded with the belt
b. Make sure that your keep your off-hand away from the moving parts and be sure to utilize the off-hand
hook on the buttstock. NOTE: The rounds will eject from the underside of the gun directly in front of
the lower receiver.
c. Press the safety lever to the right until the letter” F”, i.e. Fire, appears. Pull the trigger and the gun fires
1 round. Upon release of the trigger firing is interrupted the hammer will disconnect. When the trigger is
pulled again, the gun will fire another 1 round.
d. Always have your selector set to SAFE during lulls in firing.
e. After firing, pull the bolt by means of the cocking slide to its rear position, put the safety lever on “Safe”,
remove the barrel from the gun, and check whether the barrel is clear. Reinsert the barrel. Insert the
Bolt Hold-Back to indicate that the gun is clear or to reload the gun.

Firing the Gun on the Tripod Mount.

4. Elevation and Traverse (T&E)
a. The front end of the cradle is carried on a swivel mounting at the junction of the three tripod
legs, while the rear end is supported by the elevating gear. The front leg in telescopically
adjustable, and is provided with a clamping lever for fixing the telescopic parts after they have
been adjusted. A traversing arc, on which the elevating gear is carried by a traversing slide,
acts as a brace between the two rear legs which are jointed, each joint being fitted with a
clampling lever.
b. Elevation is adjusted by a handwheel centered along the elevation screw, while adjustments for
line are made by shifting the traversing slide along the traversing arc by means of the handle on
the T&E gear. A wing nut is provided for clamping the elevating gear and a lever for locking the
traversing slide. Adjustable elevating and traversing stops are also provided to enable the gun
to be elevated and traversed between predetermined limits. The traversing stops are arranged
for the traversing arc, which is graduated to facilitate adjustment of the stops.

4. Unloading the Gun

a. Removal of the Belt. Set the selector is set to SAFE. Push the feed cover catch forward and raise the
feed cover. Lift out the belt. Cock the gun to dechamber the round.
b. Removal of the 50-round Belt Drum Magazine. Set the selector is set to SAFE. Push the feed cover
catch forward and raise the feed cover. Lift out the belt and disconnect the magazine from the gun.
Cock the gun to dechamber the round and set the bolt catch to retain the bolt. Inspect to see that there
is no round in the chamber.
** You should make use of the Bolt Hold-Back as a safety device to indicate a ‘cleared’ weapon.

5. Changing Barrels
a. General. The barrel must be changed after about 250 rounds have been fired continuously or with only
short intervals between bursts.
1. Unload the gun (par. 4). Retract the bolt and use Bolt Hold-Back to retain the bolt in a rearward
position disengaged from the barrel.
2. Depress and push the barrel change door forward.
3. Remove the barrel with the leading tab or any other convenient tool.
4. Insert a fresh barrel and close the barrel change door.
5. Load the gun (par. 2).

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 35

 Dealing with Malfunctions
1. Immediate Action
a. Immediate action is the immediate and automatic application of a remedy. It is to be applied immedi-
ately and automatically to a gun that jams, or otherwise malfunctions. When stoppage occurs during
firing, perform the immediate action described below, or such portions thereof as are required to rem-
edy the stoppage.
b. Failure of the Gun to Fire. If the loaded gun fails to fire when the trigger is squeezed, proceed imme-
diately as follows:
1. Wait 30 seconds before opening the chamber.
2. Cock the gun by a quick pull on the cocking handle.
3. If a round is ejected, squeeze the trigger and fire.
4. If the round is not ejected, set the selector at SAFE, and unload the gun (par. 4).
5. Inspect the gun to determine the source of the malfunction was other than a defective round. Also,
recheck that you followed correct loading and firing procedures (par. 2 & par. 3)
6. Load the gun and resume firing.

2. Malfunctions and Corrections

a. Proper care of the gun before, during, and after firing will usually eliminate most stoppages. Stoppages
or other malfunctions which cannot be remedied by the application of immediate action should be dealt
with in accordance with instructions described in the following paragraphs.
b. Feed Stoppage or Malfunction. It is dangerous to investigate a feed stoppage or malfunction by
raising the feed cover without first cocking the gun or retaining a hold on the cocking handle, insert the
Bolt Hold-Back. Should a live round remain I the chamber, the raising of the feed cover would allow
the bolt to continue forward and increase the chance of an accidental discharge, thus endangering the
operator and damaging the gun. Should a stoppage occur during firing set the selector to SAFE, cock
the gun and retain hold on the cocking handle. Notice if a round ejected. While maintaining hold of the
cocking handle with your right hand use your left hand to open the feed cover and lift out the belt.
Inspect the chamber to make sure no round is present. If the gun cannot be cocked, set the selector to
SAFE and apply a backward pull on the cocking handle and, at the same time, raise the feed cover and
remove the belt. The gun can then be cocked.
c. Failure to Fire.
1. CAUSES. Failure to fire is generally caused by:
a. Defective ammunition.
b. Defective firing pin or lower receiver problem
c. Bolt not fully closed
2. REMEDIES.
a. If the primer of the round is deeply indented, the round is defective and must be discarded
b. If the primer is not indented or only slightly indented, the firing pin or hammer portion of you
trigger housing may be worn, broken, or too weak to set off the round; or the bolt may not have
been fully home. Check for dirt or any other obstruction on the bolt and receiver, and in the
breech end of the barrel. Check for a ruptured case in the chamber. Remove all obstructions.

With a slightly indented primer you may want to replace the firing pin spring with the
lighter type and the hammer spring with the heavier type. This enables a stronger strike
from the hammer with less resistance from the firing pin spring. Given the extreme vari-
ance in primer hardness, each MG-42 SA comes with a heavy-strike setup. This includes a
weaker firing pin spring and a heavier hammer spring. Only use this setup if the MG-42 SA is
unable to consistently ignite the ammo you are using. This is often necessary for hard-primer
military surplus ammo. Be aware that over-striking soft-primer commercial ammo may cause
the primers to unseat and foul the gun.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 36

d. Failure to Feed.
1. CAUSES. Failure to feed may be caused by:
a. Defective belt.
b. Insufficient recoil of bolt to pick up new round
c. Broken feed piece on top of belt.
2. REMEDIES.
a. If the belt does not feed cartridges into gun because it is deformed or broken, it should be
fixed by a skilled individual or discarded.
b. Insufficient recoil may be due to reduce blast boosting or to obstruction in receiver or bolt.
e. Failure to Extract.
1. CAUSES. Failure to extract is generally caused by:
a. Dirty chamber
b. Dirty ammunition
c. Broken extractor.
2. ACTION.
a. When a failure to extract occurs, the bolt may be found fully home with a spent case in the
chamber. Generally, most failures to extract can be remedied by pulling the cocking handle
smartly to the rear. I this does not remove the case, use a cleaning rod.
b. Sometimes the empty case will be left in the chamber, the extractor ripping through the base
of the cartridge. When this occurs, the bolt generally will attempt to feed a fresh cartridge
into the chamber. It will then be necessary to remove this round before the spent case can
be removed.
c. Where a dirty chamber or dirty ammunition is indicated, clean the chamber and discard or
clean the dirty ammunition. The presence of even invisible particles of dust or sand in the
chamber or on ammunition will cause failure to extract. It is advisable to oil the belt with
paraffin wax if cartridges are to be left in it for more than a short period. A belt once oiled
can be used 10 times before oiling again.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 37

 Care and Preservation
1. General
a. Proper functioning and accuracy of firing depend largely on care, cleaning, and oiling. The weapon
should be always checked for cleanliness and lubrication before use. The following instructions
should be carefully observed. Every gunner should be conscious of the fact that care, proper treat-
ment, and cleaning are the necessary requirements for safe functioning of the weapon.

Never knock or put the gun violently on the ground. Before firing remove the oil from the barrel;
after firing immediately re-oil it. This preventive measure will considerably facilitate cleaning later
on.

2. Cleaning of Gun Received from Storage

a. Guns and mounts which have been stored in accordance with instructions given in paragraph 20, will
be coated with wither OIL, lubricating, preservative, light, or COMPOUND, rust-preventative, light.
Guns received from storage will usually be coated with heavy, rust-preventative compound. Use
SOLVENT, dry-cleaning, to remove all traces of compound. Apply the solvent with rag swabs to large
parts, and as a bath for small parts. Take care to remove the compound from all recesses in which
springs or plungers operate. After removing all traces of the compound, allow the parts to dry and then
wipe with a clean, dry rag.
b. Persons handling parts after such cleaning should wear gloves to avoid leaving finger marks which are
acid and usually star corrosion. SOLVENT, dry-cleaning will attach and discolor rubber gloves.

3. Normal Care
a. Normal care includes care of the gun necessary to preserve its appearance and condition during
periods when no firing is being done. Anytime after the gun is handled it should be inspected for proper
condition and cleanliness.
b. Bore.
1. Remove the barrel.
2. Assemble a cloth patch to a cleaning rod and insert the rod into the bore through the breech end.
Run the patch back and forth several times through the entire length of the bore and chamber.
Repeat with several patches until the patch comes out clean. DO NOT USE A BRUSH IF THE
BORE IS CHROME LINED – ONLY USE PATCHES.
3. Impregnate a patch with OIL, lubricating, preservative, light. Run the patch through the bore sev-
eral times.
c. Wood and Metal Surfaces. Use a small cleaning brush to clean screwheads and crevices. With a
clean dry cloth, remove all moisture, perspiration, and dirt from the metal surfaces, and then wipe with a
cloth slightly oiled with OIL, lubricating, preservative, light. This protective oil film should be maintained
at all times. To clean the outer wood surfaces, wipe a cloth lightly oiled with OIL, lubricating, preserva-
tive, light. Then clean with a soft dry cloth.
d. After cleaning and protecting the gun as described above store the gun. Muzzle covers gun covers,
plugs, and rack covers should not be used because they collect moisture and promote rusting.

4. Care Preparatory to Firing.

a. Before firing, the following instructions should be carefully observed in order to assure proper function-
ing of the gun.
b. Disassemble the gun into its main groups.
c. Run clean patches through thew bore and chamber to remove all dirt and oil.
d. Thoroughly clean all metal parts and lightly oil with OIL, lubricating, preservative, light. CAUTION: Do
not oil the bore and chamber before firing because dangerous pressures may develop.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 38

 e. Lubricate the following with a drop of oil from an oiler.
1. Ejector groove on bolt.
2. Plunger at rear of extractor.
3. Firing pin shaft.
4. Crevices around feed piece.
5. Underside of the 3 belt feed pawls.
6. Groove for cocking handle on receiver.
f. Lubricant should be applied lightly because oil has a tendency to collect dirt which may act as an
abrasive on the operating parts.
g. After gun groups have been oiled as described above, assemble the gun and wipe all outer surfaces
with a lightly oiled rag.

5. Care on the Range and in the Field

a. The gun must be kept free from dirt and well lubricated to obtain proper efficiency during firing. The
following instructions should be followed carefully.
b. Before Firing.
1. See the bore is free from dust, dirt, mud, or snow.
2. See the chamber is clean and free from oil.
3. Test the trigger mechanisms at SAFE and FIRE.
4. Work the bolt back and forth to see that it is clean and well oiled, and that it works freely.
5. Examine the belts to see that they are free from dirt and properly loaded.
c. During Fire. In general, it should not be necessary to disassemble the machine gun in the field for
cleaning. However, if the mechanism becomes very dirty or functions sluggishly, disassemble the gun
into its groups, and clean as instructed in paragraph 17.

6. Care After Firing

a. The weapon should be clean cleaned after each session of firing and not later than the evening of the
day on which it was fired.
b. Immediately after firing or as soon as possible, remove the barrel and run several wet patches impreg-
nated with CLEANER, rifle bore, through the bore. If CLEANER, rifle bore is not available, use warm
soapy water or warm water alone in the absence of these, cold water. Remove the patch from the
cleaning rod and attach a cleaning brush. Run the brush through the bore several times. DO NOT USE
A BRUSH IF THE BORE IS CHROME LINED – ONLY USE PATCHES. Make certain the brush goes all
the way through the bore before reversing the direction. Remove the brush and run several patches
wet with clean water through the bore and chamber again. Follow this with dry patches until they come
out clean and dry. Finally, run a patch impregnated with OIL, lubricating, preservative, light, through the
bore and chamber.
c. Soak and wipe the flash hider, booster cone and barrel sleeve in OIL, lubricating, preservative, light,
through the bore and chamber until free of all residue.
d. After the bore and chamber have been cleaned, disassemble the gun. Clean all the metal parts with a
clean dry rag, then wipe with a lightly oiled rag before assembling. After assembling, wipe the exterior
surface with a rag lightly oiled with OIL, lubricating, preservative, light.

7. Preparation for Storage

a. OIL, lubrication, preservative, light, is the most satisfactory oil for preserving the mechanism of this gun.
This oil is satisfactory for preserving the polished surfaces, bore, and chamber for from 2 to 6 weeks,
depending on climatic and storage condition. Guns in short term storage should be inspected every 5
days. If necessary, the preservative film should be renewed.
b. COMPOUND, rust-preventative, light, is satisfactory for preserving polished surfaces, bore, and cham-
ber for a period of up to one year, depending on climatic and storage conditions.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 39

 c. Thoroughly clean all parts of the mechanism and the exterior of the weapon with SOLVENT, dry-clean-
ing. Dry with clean rags. After drying a metal part, do not touch with the bare hands. Then coat all
metal parts with wither OIL, lubricating, preservative, light, or COMPOUND, rust-preventative, light,
depending n the probable length of storage. The bore is best coated with rust-preventative compound
by dipping a cleaning brush in the compound and then running the brush through the bore two or three
times. DO NOT USE A BRUSH IF THE BORE IS CHROME LINED. Then see that the bolt is fully
home, and, handling the weapon only by the but and sling loop, place it in its storage location.

Cleaning After Shooting Corrosive Ammo

Most surplus 8mm ammo is corrosive. This means that the primers and/or powder leave a
corrosive (salt) residue on the weapon after firing. These salts mix with other residue and
moisture and begin to attack the metal and form rust. However, prompt and thorough cleaning
immediately after shooting this ammo makes it no different than shooting non-corrosive ammo.
Oils or solvents will not neutralize the corrosive residue and most shooters do not want to run
home to make a warm soapy bath for their gun, especially one as large as the MG-42 SA.
Diluted ammonia as found in Windex (with ammonia) and other window cleaners will breakdown
and neutralize the corrosive residue.
The window clean with ammonia is your first line of cleaning for the bolt head, chamber, bore,
barrel crown, barrel sleeve, booster cone, flash hider, and receiver bushing. Immediately after
firing the barrel and booster assemblies will be too hot to clean.
• Remove the bolt from the MG-42 SA, disassemble, and spray the bolt head and internal
parts thoroughly. Wipe down until dry, then oil with CLP.
• Remove the barrel and booster assembly with hot barrel mitt.
• Spray and clean the barrel bushing and inside of the forward portion of the receiver, wipe
down, and oil with CLP.
• Spray and clean the booster assembly (barrel sleeve, booster cone, and flash hider), wipe
down, and oil with CLP. After extended use the corrosive residue will be ‘baked’ on to
the booster asembly and barrel crown so you will need to be aggressive with a soft
brush when cleaning these parts.
• (Make sure the barrel is not hot). Spray and clean the chamber and bore using a cleaning
rod and patch. Run a dry patch through the barrel followed by one impregnated with oil.
Spray and clean the barrel crown, wipe down, and oil with CLP.

The rest of the MG-42 SA can be cleaned as specified on pages 38, 39, and 40 of the manual.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 40

 Ammunition
General
a. The common commercial designation for the round used in this gun is 8mm Mauser. However, the
exact dimensions are 7.92mm X 57mm. Be certain that the ammo you purchase have the exact dimen-
sions because there are many ammunition configurations that look and sound similar to 8mm Mauser
ammunition. ABSOLUTELY NO OTHER TYPE OF AMMUNITION IS TO BE USED WITH THIS SYS-
TEM. EXPERIMENTS TO ASCERTAIN INTERCHANGEABILITY ARE FORBIDDEN.
b. The following is a list of common ammunition:
• 7.92 X 57mm German Military
• 7.92X57JSGerman Military, European hunting ammo
• 7.90X57 Portugal, Spain, Middle East, South America
• 8X57JS European hunting/sporting ammo
• 8mm Mauser Common commercial designation
• 8X57 Mauser Common commercial designation
• 7.92 Mauser Yugoslav designation
• 7.92mm BESA British manufactured
• 7.92-mm Chinese

c. When purchasing surplus ammunition make sure that the ammo is clean, not deformed, and not “life
expired.” Any ammo suspected of being dangerous should not be used. Much of the 8mm ammunition
is made for rifle only with thin brass and weakly seated bullets. The are not suitable for this system.
Recommended ammo includes Romanian Steel Case, Olympic, and Sellier and Bellot. DO NOT
use Turkish mfg. ammo.

Special note on ammo in this system:

Given the extreme variance in primer hardness, each MG-42 SA comes with a heavy-strike setup. This
includes a weaker firing pin spring and a heavier hammer spring. Only use this setup if the MG-42 SA
is unable to consistently ignite the ammo you are using. This is often necessary for hard-primer military
surplus ammo. Be aware that over-striking soft-primer commercial ammo may cause the primers to
unseat and foul the gun.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 41

 8mm AMMO in the MG-42 SA
The best surplus ammo to run is Romanian Steel Cased 155 gr. The best commercial ammo to run is
Olympic 196 gr. FMJ.

That being said, we have used Portuguese, Yugoslavian, and FN with very good reliability and consistency.
One special note: the Yugoslavian Ammo tends to have harder primers usually requiring a heavier firing-pin
strike.

ONLY RUN FMJ AMMO. The MG-42 SA, MG-42, MG-34, and XMG will not cycle soft point ammo reliably.

Improper, aged, defective, or weak ammo will not work in the MG-42 SA as well as most other 8mm
automatics, and should be considered unsafe to use in all firearms, especially automatics. However, you can
get away with running just about anything through a bolt action rifle. The M-48 is certainly the most rugged
8mm bolt action rifle on the market.

Specific Ammo to Avoid:

• Anything made prior to 1950
• Turkish
• German WWII (steel case) - The cases are corroded ON THE INSIDE from the powder. Brass is usually OK
but has hard primers. Collect this ammo, DON’T shoot it!
• Ecuadorian
• Nigerian
• Anything south of the border or from a ‘third-world’ nation

Reasons to avoid these types of ammunition:

Primers - Primers harden as ammo ages. Excessive primer hardness will lead to dangerous misfires and
hang-fires.
Strength - Much of the 8mm ammo currently available was made for bolt-action rifles. This ammo suffers from
thin brass and loosely fitted bullets. Simply, the rounds just fall apart or deform during the harsh chambering
and extraction in automatics.
Damage - The last batch of Ecuadorian 8mm we received was green due to corrosion. Don’t trust anything
from a ‘third-world’ nation. Most never had to make ammo strong enough to deal with the harsh chambering
and extraction of an automatic, especially a ‘pusher-type’ MG-42 versus the ‘puller-type’ 1919.
Corrosion - If the ammo is steel cased, it has a much shorter shelf-life due to the corroding of the INSIDE of
the case caused by corrosive powder.
Pressure - All automatic weapons rely on the pressure generated from the round to cycle the weapon. In
aged, defective, or poorly made ammo the pressures are often inconsistent and will lead to an unreliable
cycle. It will result in jamming, case head separations, primer blowouts, and lots of other nasty malfunctions
that can significantly damage the gun and the shooter. Just because the sales person says that it ‘runs in my
1919,’ does not mean it’s good and safe ammo.
Dimensions - There’s a lot of poorly made ammo that will not seat properly in the standard 8mm chamber.
Headspace is critical in the MG-42 SA. You will notice this in a bolt action where you sometimes have to
force the round into the chamber. Poorly dimensioned ammo results in major headspace issues yielding
pressures malfunctions listed above.

Bottom line: If you just bought a Ferrari, don’t expect it to run like Ferrari if you fill it with bad gas.

If you’ve stockpiled some 8mm ammo and want to know if it is going to work in an MG-34, XMG, MG-42, or
MG-42 SA, please call 301-807-5234.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 42

 Inspection
1. General
a. Inspect the gun at interval for operation and functioning. In all such inspections, use dummy ammuni-
tion. The use of live ammunition is prohibited. Ammunition must not be present during inspection.

2. Gun as a Unit
a. Note if the butt is firmly secured.
b. Retract the bolt and note any sluggish movement or binding. Remove the feed cover and feed block
and see that the chamber is clear. Grasp the cocking handle and pull it to the retracted position and
slowly let it forward on an empty chamber. Note any binding or sluggish movement.
c. Check the functioning of the belt feed pawls, using dummy rounds in a belt. DO NOT use live ammo.
d. With one hand, grasp the cocking handle in its most forward position and retract it until the bolt is in its
most rearward position. Then release the cocking handle to send the bolt forward with significant force
to chamber the dummy round. Set the selector to SAFE, then pull the trigger to check the safety
mechanism. Set the selector to FIRE, then pull the trigger and make sure the hammer falls. Raise the
top cover to make sure the bolt is fully home. The roller stud on the bolt carrier should be up against
the feed tray.
e. Retract the bolt and note any difficulty or failure to extract or eject.

3. Barrel Jacket and Barrel

a. Note whether front sight is properly secured. Check whether the bipod catch springs at the front and
rear of barrel jacket are set or broken.
b. Note if recoil booster is properly secured to the jacket. If loose, tighten (the threads are right-hand).
c. Remove the barrel, hold it up to the light, and inspect the chamber and bore for wear, pits, or bulges.
To facilitate inspection, place a piece of white paper in the breech end of the barrel slowly so that the
light follows the circumference of the bore. If the barrel has pits or bulges, it should be examined by a
gunsmith or replaced.

4. Bolt and Spring

a. Examine the bolt surface for rust, roughness, or foreign matter. Inspect all notches, edges, corners
and grooves for burs and wear.
b. Inspect firing pin point and rear surface for wear and deformation.
c. Inspect the extractor and ejector for deformation or breakage.
d. Check the driving spring for kinks, fracture, and lost tension.

5. Belts and Magazines

a. Belts. Examine the belts for deformation or torn links. Note whether the belts are clean and free from
rust.
b. Belt Feed Drum Magazines. Examine the 50-round belt feed drum magazines for deformation and for
malfunction of the slide and cover. Deformed magazines should be repaired or replaced.

6. Mounts
a. Bipod. Examine the bipod for rigidity of connections. Check the functioning of the thumbscrew nut
between the bipod legs.
b. Antiaircraft Tripod. Check the elevation adjustment of the tripod by means of the leg clamps and
wing nuts. Check the functioning of adjustable support at the top of the tripod. Test rigidity of connec-
tions with tripod in any firing position.
c. Tripod Mount.
1. Examine the erected tripod mount for rigidity of connections in any given firing position. Check
functioning of the elevation mechanism and elevation stops. Check functioning of the traversing
mechanism and traverse stops.
2. Push the cradle to the rear several times to simulate recoiling.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 43

 Maintenance Under Unusual Condition
1. General
a. When operating under unusual conditions such as tropical or arctic climates, severe dust or sand
conditions, and near salt water, the precautions list below should be scrupulously observed.

2. Care in Arctic Climates

a. In temperatures below freezing, and particularly in arctic climates, it is essential that all moving parts
be kept absolutely free from moisture. It has also been found that excess oil on the working parts may
solidify to such an extent as to cause sluggish operation or even complete failure.
b. The gun should be disassembled and the chief components cleaned with SOLVENT, dry-cleaning,
before use in temperatures below zero F. The working surfaces of parts which show signs of wear
may be lubricated by rubbing with a cloth that has been lightly oiled with OIL, lubricating, preservative,
light, and wrung out. At temperatures above zero F, the gun may be oiled lightly after cleaning by
wiping with a lightly oiled cloth, using OIL, lubricating, preservative, light.
c. The gun should be left exposed to the cold whenever possible because, upon brining it into a warm
room, moisture will condense on the cold metal and cause rusting. Immediately upon bringing indoors,
the gun should be thoroughly oiled with OIL, lubricating, preservative, light. After the gun has reached
room temperature, it should be wiped off to remove the condensed water vapor and oiled again.
d. If the gun has been fired, it should be thoroughly cleaned and oiled. The bore may be swabbed with an
oiled patch and, when the weapon reaches room temperature, thoroughly cleaned and oiled as pre-
scribed in paragraph 19.
e. Before firing, the gun should be cleaned and oil removed as prescribed in paragraph 17. The bore and
chamber should be entirely free from oil before firing.

3. Care in Tropical Climates

a. Tropical Climates.
1. In tropical climates where the temperature and humidity are high, or where salt air is present, and
during rainy seasons, the gun should be thoroughly inspected at frequent intervals and keep lightly
oiled when not in use. The gun should be disassembled at regular intervals to enable the drying
and oiling of parts.
2. Care should be taken to see that the unexposed parts and surfaces are kept clean and oiled.
3. In how climates, use OIL, lubricating, preservative, light.
b. Hot, Dry Climates.
1. In hot, dry climates where sand and dust are apt to get into the mechanism and bore, the gun
should be wiped clean daily, or more often, if necessary. The gun should be disassembled as far as
necessary to facilitate thorough cleaning.
2. Oiling and lubrication should be kept at a minimum, as oil collects dust which acts as an abrasive
on the working parts and may foul the bore and chamber. OIL, lubricating, preservative, light, is
best for lubrication where temperatures are high, and should be lightly applied only to the surfaces
or working parts showing signs of wear.
3. Perspiration from the hand is usually acid and causes rust. Metal parts should therefore wiped dry
frequently.
4. During sand and dust storms the breech, muzzle and, ejection port should be kept covered.

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 44

Accessories

MG-42 SA Rev. 2, Page 45

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